The Trial Of The Infinite Origin Physique

Chapter 194 — The Trial of the Infinite Origin Physique

The faint golden lights beneath the sealed door pulsed once more.

Aether crouched beside the exposed energy channel, examining the three damaged junctions identified by his System. Each connected to a different part of the ancient assessment framework, and all three ultimately led to the central distribution node.

Restoring them individually wouldn't be enough. Their energy circulation had to be synchronized.

Long Zhentian studied the inscriptions beside him.

"The first junction controls energy distribution. The second adjusts the assessment according to the participant's foundation. The third connects the primary framework to a separate evaluation system."

Aether glanced toward the third junction.

"Why was it isolated?"

"The damage surrounding it is unusually concentrated. I suspect someone deliberately sealed it."

"Can you determine why?"

"Not without examining the records beyond that door."

Aether smiled faintly. "Then let's open it."

[Analyzing Damaged Energy Network...]

[First Junction: Energy Distribution — Severely Damaged.]

[Second Junction: Foundation Adaptation — Partially Functional.]

[Third Junction: Secondary Assessment Connection — Sealed and Damaged.]

[Central Distribution Node: Unstable.]

[Restoration Requirements: Reconstruct all three junctions, synchronize their energy circulation, and stabilize the central node.]

Aether dismissed the notifications and placed his palm against the first junction.

Origin Energy flowed from his body, illuminating the ancient inscriptions. Several overlapping circulation pathways appeared beneath the platform, but their energy quickly became unstable.

He stopped the flow.

"The channels are misaligned."

"Correct," Long Zhentian replied. "The original framework distributes energy through independent pathways. Forcing them together will only worsen the damage."

Aether examined the structure again. Instead of increasing his output, he divided his Origin Energy into several controlled streams, guiding each along a separate pathway.

The process required precision rather than brute strength. After several adjustments, the first junction finally stabilized.

[First Junction: Successfully Restored.]

[Energy Distribution: Operational.]

"One down."

"Your control has improved," Long Zhentian remarked.

"You're finally noticing?"

"I was waiting for you to notice it yourself."

Aether gave him an amused glance before moving to the second junction.

This mechanism was connected to the foundation assessment system. It examined a participant's physical condition and adjusted the trial's intensity accordingly.

As soon as Aether released his Origin Energy, the formation attempted to force it into a predetermined circulation pattern.

His eyebrows rose.

"It wants to classify my physique before the assessment even begins."

"That is how the original framework operates," Long Zhentian explained. "It compares a participant's characteristics with its stored records. If it cannot find a suitable classification, the secondary framework should respond."

Aether glanced toward the sealed third junction.

"So that's what they were hiding."

He adjusted the energy pathways, preserving the foundation-assessment function without interfering with the secondary connection.

The golden inscriptions gradually illuminated.

[Second Junction: Successfully Restored.]

[Foundation Adaptation: Operational.]

[Primary Assessment Framework: Stabilized.]

Only the third junction remained.

Unlike the previous two, its inscriptions contained unfamiliar patterns. Several had deteriorated beyond recognition, while others were deliberately sealed.

Long Zhentian's expression became serious.

"This is no ordinary secondary channel. It appears to be an entirely separate assessment framework, designed for physiques that cannot be evaluated through conventional classifications."

Aether placed his palm against it.

[Unclassified Physique Detected.]

[Secondary Assessment Framework: Responding.]

[Compatibility: Unable to Determine.]

[Additional Analysis Required.]

Aether smiled.

"At least it knows something is here."

"Or it knows that something is preventing it from understanding you."

"Either way, we'll find out."

He carefully traced the surviving inscriptions, comparing their circulation patterns with the two restored junctions. Long Zhentian identified several missing connections, helping reconstruct the original arrangement.

The final connection resisted them.

Aether examined it again. The problem wasn't a lack of energy. The surviving structure was designed to accommodate several different circulation patterns, but its damaged pathways could no longer harmonize them.

He changed his energy circulation.

His Infinite Origin Physique responded, gradually harmonizing the conflicting energy patterns. Rather than forcing one pathway to conform to another, it accommodated their differences and allowed them to connect.

The third junction illuminated.

[Third Junction: Successfully Restored.]

[Secondary Assessment Connection: Operational.]

[Central Distribution Node: Synchronization Required.]

The three junctions began releasing energy simultaneously.

Aether stepped toward the central node and placed his palm against it. He guided each stream into position, adjusting their circulation until the distribution, foundation adaptation, and secondary assessment systems finally synchronized.

A deep vibration spread throughout the chamber.

[Central Distribution Node: Stabilized.]

[Ancient Physique Assessment Framework: Restored.]

[Primary Assessment Framework: Operational.]

[Secondary Assessment Framework: Operational.]

The sealed door slowly opened.

Beyond it stood a circular hall surrounded by twelve enormous crystal pillars. Each contained a different physical imprint. Some resembled ordinary body-tempering physiques, while others carried ancient ancestral characteristics.

At the center stood an elevated platform.

Aether walked toward it, examining the pillars.

Long Zhentian followed.

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"Some of these imprints are extremely old. A few may belong to bloodlines that no longer exist."

"Can you identify them?"

"Some. Others are unfamiliar even to me."

Aether raised an eyebrow.

"That's unusual."

"Don't become accustomed to hearing it."

Aether stepped onto the central platform.

Golden patterns spread beneath his feet.

[Physique Assessment Initiated.]

[Analyzing Physical Foundation...]

[Analyzing Physique Characteristics...]

[Analyzing Origin Energy Control...]

[Analyzing Evolutionary Compatibility...]

A refined wave of energy passed through his body. The surrounding crystal pillars illuminated one after another, attempting to compare his characteristics with their stored records.

Several seconds passed.

[Primary Assessment: Completed.]

[Classification: Unable to Determine.]

[Secondary Assessment: Initiated.]

The energy changed.

This time, the platform wasn't attempting to force his physique into an existing classification. It examined the individual characteristics of his body and the relationship between them.

His physical foundation.

His ability to harmonize different energies.

His capacity to integrate different characteristics.

His potential to evolve beyond his existing structure.

Then the results appeared.

[Secondary Assessment: Partial Results Obtained.]

[Physique Type: Unique Origin-Type Physique.]

[Integration Capacity: Exceptional.]

[Harmonization Capacity: Exceptional.]

[Physical Foundation Stability: Exceptional.]

[Evolutionary Potential: Unmeasurable.]

[Current Physique Development: 4.0%.]

[Assessment Limitation: Available records are insufficient to determine the upper evolutionary boundary.]

Aether examined the results.

The platform had identified something important. His Infinite Origin Physique wasn't simply capable of accommodating multiple characteristics. It could harmonize characteristics that would normally be incompatible, preventing them from destroying his foundation.

That was its fundamental advantage.

And its potential wasn't limited to what he had already integrated.

Long Zhentian studied the inscriptions.

"Your physique is fundamentally different from the ancient bloodlines recorded here. Their evolution followed identifiable paths. Yours appears capable of developing through characteristics it hasn't even encountered yet."

Aether stepped down.

"Then their records are incomplete."

"That is your conclusion?"

"Naturally. If their research were complete, they would have understood me."

Long Zhentian looked at him for a moment.

"Your confidence is impressive. Your modesty, however, remains nonexistent."

Before Aether could reply, the platform released another wave of golden light.

[Advanced Physique Tempering Trial: Available.]

[Trial Requirements: Demonstrate sufficient physical foundation and withstand progressive Origin Pressure.]

[Trial Stages:]

[First Stage: Physical Endurance.]

[Second Stage: Origin Energy Refinement.]

[Third Stage: Foundation Harmonization.]

[Final Stage: Integrated Physical Adaptation.]

[Potential Rewards: Physical Foundation Enhancement, Origin Energy Refinement, and Physique Development Resources.]

Aether's attention sharpened.

Unlike an ordinary body-tempering chamber, this trial tested several aspects of physical development. Simply enduring pressure wouldn't be sufficient.

"Can you determine its difficulty?" he asked.

Long Zhentian examined the inscriptions.

"The initial stages should be manageable. The final stage is less predictable. It will likely challenge the relationship between your physique and the energy characteristics you've integrated."

"Good. That's exactly what I want."

Aether stepped onto the inner platform.

[Advanced Physique Tempering Trial: Entry Confirmed.]

[Current Cultivation: Origin Vein Realm Stage 5.]

[Current Physique Development: 4.0%.]

[Trial Difficulty: Adaptive.]

A circular barrier formed around him.

The first wave of Origin Pressure descended.

It spread throughout his body, pressing against his muscles, bones, and organs. The pressure gradually intensified, testing whether his physical foundation could withstand prolonged strain.

Aether didn't resist blindly. He circulated his Origin Energy throughout his body, reinforcing the areas under the greatest pressure.

The second wave arrived.

Then the third.

His body remained stable.

[First Stage: Physical Endurance — Completed.]

The surrounding light changed.

The second stage began.

This time, refined Origin Energy poured into the platform. It entered Aether's body through every available pathway, testing his ability to refine and control it.

The energy was considerably more concentrated than ordinary Origin Energy. Its circulation initially conflicted with his existing energy pathways, but Aether gradually adjusted his control.

His Infinite Origin Physique began harmonizing with it.

Instead of allowing the refined energy to pass through without effect, his body gradually accommodated its characteristics. The process strengthened his physical foundation while improving the efficiency of his Origin Energy circulation.

[Second Stage: Origin Energy Refinement — Completed.]

Outside the barrier, Long Zhentian watched carefully.

"Interesting. The trial's refined energy is being incorporated into his physical foundation."

He paused.

"These researchers probably intended it to strengthen ordinary physiques. They didn't anticipate someone using it to develop an entirely different evolutionary pathway."

The third stage began.

Several streams of energy appeared around Aether. Each carried a different characteristic, and the platform directed them into his body simultaneously.

The challenge was no longer endurance or refinement.

It was compatibility.

The different energy characteristics began interacting with one another, creating instability within his circulation.

Aether immediately recognized the problem.

He couldn't treat all the energy as identical. Each stream needed to retain its characteristics while remaining compatible with his existing foundation.

He adjusted his circulation, separating the incoming streams before gradually harmonizing them.

One by one, their conflicting characteristics stabilized.

[Third Stage: Foundation Harmonization — Completed.]

Aether exhaled.

"Now we're getting somewhere."

The final stage activated.

The twelve crystal pillars illuminated simultaneously.

Their stored physical imprints released faint traces of ancient energy. Rather than entering Aether independently, the energy converged around him, creating a complex combination of physical characteristics.

The platform was testing whether his foundation could accommodate multiple different characteristics without losing stability.

Aether's expression became serious.

This was precisely the kind of challenge his physique was designed to overcome.

He released his Origin Energy and allowed the Infinite Origin Physique to respond.

The first characteristic was harmonized.

Then the second.

The third followed.

The pressure increased as more characteristics entered the circulation. His body had to accommodate their differences without allowing them to interfere with one another.

Aether maintained control.

He didn't rush the process or attempt to absorb everything at once. He gradually integrated the compatible characteristics into his physical circulation, allowing his foundation to adjust.

Then the platform changed its approach.

Instead of introducing another characteristic, it forced two opposing energy patterns into the same circulation channel.

For the first time, the harmonization process stopped.

Aether immediately recognized the problem. The trial wasn't testing whether he could accommodate more energy. It was testing whether he could maintain stability when two characteristics resisted one another.

He stopped trying to harmonize them directly.

Instead, he separated their circulation, allowing each to retain its distinct nature while establishing a stable connection between them.

The pressure gradually subsided.

Aether's lips curved.

"So that's the trick."

The final energy wave descended.

This time, he was ready.

His Infinite Origin Physique responded, coordinating the different characteristics without forcing them to become identical. The conflicting patterns stabilized, and the platform's golden light spread throughout the hall.

[Final Stage: Integrated Physical Adaptation — Completed.]

[Advanced Physique Tempering Trial: Successfully Completed.]

[Physical Foundation: Strengthened.]

[Origin Energy Refinement: Improved.]

[Infinite Origin Physique Development: 4.0% → 4.3%.]

[Additional Reward: Refined Origin Tempering Essence.]

[Reward Quality: High.]

[Properties: Highly concentrated Origin Energy with physical tempering and foundation-stabilizing characteristics.]

[Recommended Use: Dedicated physique cultivation.]

Aether slowly opened his eyes.

A subtle change had taken place throughout his body. His physical foundation was more stable, his Origin Energy circulated more efficiently, and the harmonization between his existing characteristics had improved.

The increase from 4.0% to 4.3% might appear small, but every fraction represented genuine development of his Infinite Origin Physique.

His cultivation remained unchanged.

Origin Vein Realm Stage 5.

But his physical foundation was stronger than before the trial.

Aether examined the reward.

The Refined Origin Tempering Essence was a condensed resource created by the platform. Unlike ordinary Origin Energy resources, its characteristics were specifically suited to strengthening a cultivator's physical foundation. It could support further development of his physique without forcing an uncontrolled breakthrough.

He stored it for later use.

Long Zhentian approached the platform.

"Your performance was beyond what I expected."

Aether looked at him.

"Did you think I wouldn't complete it?"

"I thought the final stage might be more troublesome. Instead, you found a way around its most difficult challenge."

"That's because I understood what it was testing."

"Indeed. The platform was trying to force incompatible characteristics into a single circulation pattern. You realized they didn't need to become identical to coexist."

Aether nodded.

"Different characteristics can retain their individual properties while remaining compatible with the same foundation. That's the difference between forcing integration and achieving harmonization."

Long Zhentian looked at him with renewed interest.

"An interesting conclusion. I wonder how far you can take that principle."

"Far enough."

Long Zhentian shook his head.

"Your confidence is going to become a problem one day."

"Only for the people standing against me."

Before Long Zhentian could respond, the central platform illuminated again.

[Advanced Physique Tempering Trial: Completed.]

[Additional Assessment Data Recorded.]

[Secondary Assessment Framework: New Evolutionary Path Detected.]

[Access Condition: Further Physique Development Required.]

Aether studied the notification.

The trial had revealed another evolutionary pathway, but the framework wasn't ready to grant access yet.

He wasn't disappointed. There were still eleven other paths in the Ancient Evolution Grounds, along with the deeper regions of the sanctuary.

He had obtained a useful improvement, a valuable cultivation resource, and a better understanding of his own physique.

That was already a worthwhile result.

Aether stepped away from the platform.

"Let's explore the other regions. I want to see what else this place has preserved."

Long Zhentian followed.

"At this rate, you may eventually leave nothing for the other participants."

Aether glanced back at the twelve crystal pillars.

"Then they should explore faster."

The two left the assessment hall.

Elsewhere in the Ancient Evolution Grounds, other participants were making progress of their own.

In the Origin Energy Refinement region, a young cultivator had finally stabilized his circulation after several failed attempts. His companions watched cautiously as the energy surrounding him gradually settled.

At the Ancestral Inheritance region, three competitors had discovered an ancient inscription chamber. They were debating whether to activate its central inheritance formation or leave it untouched until they understood its dangers.

Farther away, a group of cultivators had discovered a medicinal valley filled with ancient plants. They were already arguing over how to divide the resources.

The grounds were vast, and the competition was becoming increasingly serious.

Aether had no intention of wasting time.

As he and Long Zhentian left the hall, the System suddenly issued another notification.

[Warning: Unusual Energy Fluctuation Detected.]

[Origin: Deep Region Beneath the Ancient Evolution Grounds.]

[Source: Unknown.]

[Status: Previously Dormant — Now Active.]

Aether stopped.

"Another discovery?"

Long Zhentian turned toward the distant depths of the grounds. His expression became thoughtful.

"I can feel it. Something ancient has responded to the restoration of the assessment framework."

"Do you recognize it?"

"No. But whatever it is, its energy is considerably different from the structures we've encountered so far."

Aether looked toward the distant horizon.

A faint golden light flickered beneath the ground, far beyond the twelve evolutionary paths.

His smile returned.

"Then let's find out what it is."

For Aether, the real opportunities were only beginning.